Abyssal Shard: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 04:59, 27 July 2023

Classification: Eta, Mu, Nu, Rho, Omega

The Abyssal Shard, a menacing artifact of legend, was wrought in the crucible of Hell by a tormented blacksmith, who channeled his accumulated pain, rage, and skill into its creation. The sword possesses terrifying abilities that transcend the material realm - it can consume the souls of those it vanquishes, augmenting its power and sharpness, while also exhibiting elemental affinities. The Abyssal Shard resonates with the emotions of its wielder, potentially enhancing their physical prowess, yet exacting a toll on their vitality. The weapon's sinister origin story is intertwined with the themes of betrayal, retribution, and a grim determination to survive. Despite its storied past, its current status is shrouded in mystery and speculation, with its known location guarded by a select few. Tales of this formidable weapon persist, blending the lines between fact and folklore, its legacy echoing ominously through the ages.

Special Abilities

The Abyssal Shard is an artifact of chilling power, possessing the ability to consume the souls of those it slays, and subsequently enhancing its destructive capacity with their strengths and talents. Upon consuming a soul, the sword's power amplifies temporarily, manifesting as heightened sharpness, the capacity to pierce magical defenses, or even the projection of energy waves. The sword is hypothesized to channel both psionic and magical energies, contributing to its exceptional abilities. It exhibits an affinity with elemental forces, evident in phenomena such as heat radiation or a shroud of ethereal flames or icy mist enveloping the blade. Intriguingly, the Abyssal Shard resonates with the emotional state of its wielder, particularly amplifying feelings of anger, hatred, and desperation, potentially bolstering the wielder's physical strength and endurance. However, this formidable power comes with a significant cost: prolonged use of the Abyssal Shard tends to physically and mentally drain its wielder, a likely consequence of its soul-consuming nature.

Soul Consumption: The Abyssal Shard possesses the terrifying ability to rip the souls from those it slays, absorbing them to empower the blade. This not only augments its destructive capabilities but also imbues it with some of the strengths or talents of the consumed soul.
Power Augmentation: The sword's power increases for a time after it has consumed a soul. This augmentation can take the form of increased sharpness, the ability to pierce magical defenses, or the projection of powerful energy waves.
Psionic and Magical Energy Channeling: The sword can possibly channel psionic or magical energies, or potentially both. This energy may be responsible for some of its other extraordinary abilities.
Elemental Connection: The Abyssal Shard appears to have a connection to elemental forces. Some reports have detailed the blade radiating heat or being surrounded by a shroud of ethereal flames or icy mist.
Emotional Resonance: The sword resonates with the emotional state of its bearer, especially feelings of anger, hatred, and desperation. This resonance may empower the wielder's physical strength and endurance.
Draining Effect: Prolonged use of the Abyssal Shard tends to drain the wielder physically and mentally, which may be a side effect of its soul-consuming nature. This implies a potential cost or drawback to wielding such a powerful artifact.

Status as of 21st Century

In the modern era, the Abyssal Shard is rumored to be stowed away, shrouded in consecrated cloths imbued with holy water to mitigate its malignant aura. The confidential whereabouts of this accursed artifact is preserved by a close-knit circle of custodians, their identities concealed to prevent any attempts at acquisition. Despite these measures, the sword seems to exhibit an inexplicable sentient quality, influencing the subconscious of those privy to its secret. Whispers of cryptic dreams and uncanny visions plague these individuals, suggesting the sword's possible yearning for a new master. Conversely, a sense of foreboding permeates the air, with some speculating that these strange phenomena could portend an impending disaster of unimaginable proportions.

Status as of Post World War III

In the aftermath of World War III, in the year 2056, historical accounts or even conjectural references pertaining to the Abyssal Shard have become inexplicably scant. While there's speculation that the artifact was operational during the brutal war, the concrete evidence is limited, if not nonexistent, and a flurry of contradictory narratives further muddles the understanding of its role. Amidst the tumultuous upheaval of the war and subsequent post-war chaos, documentation tracing the journey of the Abyssal Shard past 1989 has been regretfully lost, consigning its fate to the realm of mystery and conjecture. Despite exhaustive efforts, the current location and status of this ancient and formidable weapon remains an enigma, fueling both apprehension and intrigue among scholars and enthusiasts alike.

History

The legend of the Abyssal Shard traces its roots to a renowned blacksmith who lusted after his neighbor's wife. His fixation grew so overpowering that he murdered his neighbor in an attempt to claim the wife for himself, only to be slain by the wife he had so desired, his sins condemning him to the depths of hell. In hell, the blacksmith was subjected to unspeakable torture until he managed to escape from his demonic tormentor. His desperate flight brought him to an environment of solid steel rocks and molten pools, offering no refuge, but giving him the materials he would need to resist his persecutors.

The blacksmith, refused to surrender to the waiting demon, who had all of eternity to watch him suffer. After enduring this torture for months, the blacksmith finally turned and made a desperate gambit for freedom. Using a chunk of white-hot metal, he plunged it into the demon's head, his own hand searing and melting in the process. With the demon vanquished, the blacksmith understood he needed a weapon to defend himself against the inevitable onslaught of other demons. Relying on his skill in the forge, he crafted a grotesque hammer, the Wicked Nethersbane, from the demon's head and spine and the searing rocks around him.

With the Nethersbane, he forged the Abyssal Shard from the claws and ribs of the demon, his bone hands molding the hot materials with a malicious fury. He inscribed the blade with symbols of power he had seen in hell and then, imbued the sword with the remaining essence of his tormentor. The Abyssal Shard was a weapon of vengeance, capable of slaying any being in its path.

His escape from hell came when he challenged the demon guarding one of the gates leading to the mortal realm. Underestimating him, the demon allowed the blacksmith the first strike - a fatal mistake. The Abyssal Shard pierced the demon, growing stronger with the absorbed essence, and unlocking the gate back to the mortal world.

On his return, the blacksmith discovered his 'stolen' wife had remarried. In a fit of rage, he killed her new husband, incinerating him instantly. However, his ghastly appearance - his hands bone-claws, face charred and cracked, and his eyes burning with betrayed rage - horrified his former love. The wife's new family, descendants of holy men skilled in combatting evil, defended her from the monstrous blacksmith. Calling upon divine aid, they struck down the blacksmith, whose immortal soul returned to hell.

The Abyssal Shard was left behind, to be hidden away by the holy family, its ominous power contained within cloths soaked in holy water, shielding it from mortal contact.

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 [[File:{{#setmainimage:Abyssal-shard-long-sword.jpg}}|thumb]]
 ; Classification : Eta, Mu, Nu, Rho, Omega
+The Abyssal Shard, a menacing artifact of legend, was wrought in the crucible of Hell by a tormented blacksmith, who channeled his accumulated pain, rage, and skill into its creation. The sword possesses terrifying abilities that transcend the material realm - it can consume the souls of those it vanquishes, augmenting its power and sharpness, while also exhibiting [[elemental]] affinities. The Abyssal Shard resonates with the emotions of its wielder, potentially enhancing their physical prowess, yet exacting a toll on their vitality. The weapon's sinister origin story is intertwined with the themes of betrayal, retribution, and a grim determination to survive. Despite its storied past, its current status is shrouded in mystery and speculation, with its known location guarded by a select few. Tales of this formidable weapon persist, blending the lines between fact and folklore, its legacy echoing ominously through the ages.
-The artifact known as Abyssal Shard is a long sword of ancient power.  Legend has it that the sword was forged in the depths of hell itself, made from the bones of a mighty [[demon]], and then used to challenge the Angel of Death to secure the freedom of a tortured soul.  The sword's power comes in that it is supposed to have the ability to rip a persons soul free from their body and consume it augmenting the swords power for a time.
+== Special Abilities ==
+The Abyssal Shard is an artifact of chilling power, possessing the ability to consume the souls of those it slays, and subsequently enhancing its destructive capacity with their strengths and talents. Upon consuming a soul, the sword's power amplifies temporarily, manifesting as heightened sharpness, the capacity to pierce magical defenses, or even the projection of energy waves. The sword is hypothesized to channel both psionic and magical energies, contributing to its exceptional abilities. It exhibits an affinity with elemental forces, evident in phenomena such as heat radiation or a shroud of ethereal flames or icy mist enveloping the blade. Intriguingly, the Abyssal Shard resonates with the emotional state of its wielder, particularly amplifying feelings of anger, hatred, and desperation, potentially bolstering the wielder's physical strength and endurance. However, this formidable power comes with a significant cost: prolonged use of the Abyssal Shard tends to physically and mentally drain its wielder, a likely consequence of its soul-consuming nature.
-The exact properties of the sword are unknown, but it is possible that it has elements that use [[Psionic Energy|psionic]] or [[Magical Energy|magical energy]] with a possible strong connection to elemental magic.
+; Soul Consumption: The Abyssal Shard possesses the terrifying ability to rip the souls from those it slays, absorbing them to empower the blade. This not only augments its destructive capabilities but also imbues it with some of the strengths or talents of the consumed soul.
+; Power Augmentation: The sword's power increases for a time after it has consumed a soul. This augmentation can take the form of increased sharpness, the ability to pierce magical defenses, or the projection of powerful energy waves.
+; Psionic and [[Magical Energy]] Channeling: The sword can possibly channel psionic or magical energies, or potentially both. This energy may be responsible for some of its other extraordinary abilities.
+; Elemental Connection: The Abyssal Shard appears to have a connection to elemental forces. Some reports have detailed the blade radiating heat or being surrounded by a shroud of ethereal flames or icy mist.
+; Emotional Resonance: The sword resonates with the emotional state of its bearer, especially feelings of anger, hatred, and desperation. This resonance may empower the wielder's physical strength and endurance.
+; Draining Effect: Prolonged use of the Abyssal Shard tends to drain the wielder physically and mentally, which may be a side effect of its soul-consuming nature. This implies a potential cost or drawback to wielding such a powerful artifact.
+==  Status as of 21st Century  ==
+In the modern era, the Abyssal Shard is rumored to be stowed away, shrouded in consecrated cloths imbued with holy water to mitigate its malignant aura. The confidential whereabouts of this accursed artifact is preserved by a close-knit circle of custodians, their identities concealed to prevent any attempts at acquisition. Despite these measures, the sword seems to exhibit an inexplicable sentient quality, influencing the subconscious of those privy to its secret. Whispers of cryptic dreams and uncanny visions plague these individuals, suggesting the sword's possible yearning for a new master. Conversely, a sense of foreboding permeates the air, with some speculating that these strange phenomena could portend an impending disaster of unimaginable proportions.
+== Status as of Post World War III ==
+In the aftermath of [[World War III]], in the year 2056, historical accounts or even conjectural references pertaining to the Abyssal Shard have become inexplicably scant. While there's speculation that the artifact was operational during the brutal war, the concrete evidence is limited, if not nonexistent, and a flurry of contradictory narratives further muddles the understanding of its role. Amidst the tumultuous upheaval of the war and subsequent post-war chaos, documentation tracing the journey of the Abyssal Shard past 1989 has been regretfully lost, consigning its fate to the realm of mystery and conjecture. Despite exhaustive efforts, the current location and status of this ancient and formidable weapon remains an enigma, fueling both apprehension and intrigue among scholars and enthusiasts alike.
 == History ==
-As the legend goes, a blacksmith of renown through the known world coveted his neighbors wife.  She was beautiful and her smooth skin and soft eyes called to him every night in his dreams.  One day, he had to have her and he was killed himself after murdering his neighbor meaning to take the man's wife for his own.  The wife murdered him to escape and send him to hell to be punished for his sins.  Once in hell he endured unimaginable torture as punishment, until one day, he escaped from the demon that was punishing him.  Frantically searching for a way to escape his torment, he came across some very strange things...  Rocks made of solid steel surrounded by pools of molten rock.  He could find no refuge, and when his tormentor caught up with him, he refused to go back.
+The legend of the Abyssal Shard traces its roots to a renowned blacksmith who lusted after his neighbor's wife. His fixation grew so overpowering that he murdered his neighbor in an attempt to claim the wife for himself, only to be slain by the wife he had so desired, his sins condemning him to the depths of hell. In hell, the blacksmith was subjected to unspeakable torture until he managed to escape from his demonic tormentor. His desperate flight brought him to an environment of solid steel rocks and molten pools, offering no refuge, but giving him the materials he would need to resist his persecutors.
-The demon taunted him telling him that he could not die, only suffer.  The demon had time to wait, an eternity to sit and wait for the man to give up.  This went on for days, days turned into weeks, and as the weeks turned into months the man finally broke and approached the demon.  As he neared, he reached his hand into the searing molten rock and pulled out a chunk of white hot metal, in one last attempt to escape, he stabbed it into the side of the head of the demon with all his might.  Even as his hand burned and the flesh melted away, his bones would not let go.  For, if there was no death here, then his hand would not die in the molten rock.  The pain of it was intense and debilitating, or for most would have been.  The torture he had endured these long years had prepared him to accept such pain.
-He killed the demon.  Knowing that it would not be long before another was after him, he knew he needed a weapon to fight with.  Looking at the body of the demon, already turning into ash before him, he knew what he had to do.  See, this man was a blacksmith in life, and knew everything about the forging of tools, weapons, and armor.  He would need no bellows, as the molten rock would keep the metal stones hot enough...  He needed a hammer though, and he made one from the head of the demon filled with rock from the pool, and the spine of the demon attached to the head and secured with molten rock into a solid and hideous tool, [[Wicked Nethersbane]].
+The blacksmith, refused to surrender to the waiting [[demon]], who had all of eternity to watch him suffer. After enduring this torture for months, the blacksmith finally turned and made a desperate gambit for freedom. Using a chunk of white-hot metal, he plunged it into the demon's head, his own hand searing and melting in the process. With the demon vanquished, the blacksmith understood he needed a weapon to defend himself against the inevitable onslaught of other demons. Relying on his skill in the forge, he crafted a grotesque hammer, the [[Wicked Nethersbane]], from the demon's head and spine and the searing rocks around him.
-So the man took the sharp claws of the demon and the demons ribs, heating them up in the molten rock and using his hands, now devoid of flesh and only bones animated by vile anger and hatred, he made a sword.  Wrapping the hilt in tightly rolled skin of his former tormentor, he finally uses the fangs from the demon to etch in the blade symbols of power that he had seen there in hell.  Once the symbols were finished, the blade soaked up the remaining demon flesh and turned the molten rock around it cold and dark.  The man knew he had created a sword that would kill any man, demon, or angel that came after him.
+With the Nethersbane, he forged the Abyssal Shard from the claws and ribs of the demon, his bone hands molding the hot materials with a malicious fury. He inscribed the blade with symbols of power he had seen in hell and then, imbued the sword with the remaining essence of his tormentor. The Abyssal Shard was a weapon of vengeance, capable of slaying any being in its path.
-Searching for a way back home, he finally found the guardian to one of the gates which lead back to the world of the living.  The demon is ugly and made of disgust and venom for the living.  The man challenged him and in the demons arrogance, laughing, he let the man strike first.  So the man wielded his sword and while the demon expected the blade to bounce off of his scaled flesh, it did not, but rather, it seared through the scales and soon the demons head landed on the barren and rocky ground.  The sword glowed deep blood red and grew in strength and power from the essence of the slain foe.  It now had the power to cut through the locks that separated the realms.
+His escape from hell came when he challenged the demon guarding one of the gates leading to the mortal realm. Underestimating him, the demon allowed the blacksmith the first strike - a fatal mistake. The Abyssal Shard pierced the demon, growing stronger with the absorbed essence, and unlocking the gate back to the mortal world.
-Upon returning home, to find his stolen wife still alive, he found her married to someone else.  In a rage he sliced his stolen bride's new husband through the middle and the body burst into flames, the screams were heard for miles.  Entering his former home, the stolen bride looked at him and screamed.  For now, the man was not a man.  His hands were bones, worn to sharp claws by the work at the forge.  His face was charred and blackened, cracked, from being so close to the molten rock.  His arms were thick muscle with no skin, for it had long enough been burned and pealed off.  His eyes burned with his hatred and betrayals, like hot coals.  Perhaps it was fate, but her new husband was a holy man for he had fought demons both inside and out for many years, as had his father before him.  Their children knew much of the trade of fighting evil, and when they saw this mutilated creature going after their mother, they took their great maul hammers and called upon the gods to help them.  The hammers crushed the bones of the former man, the taker of his neighbors wife.  For in hell, there is no true death, even the demons the man had slain would rise again soon.  In the mortal world, everything can die.  Thus the burned and broken body of hate and anger was killed, and its soul returned to hell where it would torment others.
+On his return, the blacksmith discovered his 'stolen' wife had remarried. In a fit of rage, he killed her new husband, incinerating him instantly. However, his ghastly appearance - his hands bone-claws, face charred and cracked, and his eyes burning with betrayed rage - horrified his former love. The wife's new family, descendants of holy men skilled in combatting evil, defended her from the monstrous blacksmith. Calling upon divine aid, they struck down the blacksmith, whose immortal soul returned to hell.
-The sword, fell to the ground though, and the family kept it hidden, wrapped in cloth soaked in holy water, away from the hands of mortal man.
+The Abyssal Shard was left behind, to be hidden away by the holy family, its ominous power contained within cloths soaked in holy water, shielding it from mortal contact.
 [[Category:Unexplained Artifacts]]